Mumu Parcels

About Mumu Parcels

Mumu Parcels are a traditional dish originating from the Papua New Guinea region. This dish uses a unique cooking method called "Mumu," where the food is cooked in an earthen oven lined with hot stones. Typically, Mumu will include a mix of meat, vegetables, and root crops, all wrapped in banana leaves. It is considered a communal dish, often prepared for festivals and gatherings.

The dish reflects not just a culinary tradition but also a social custom. The communal preparation and consumption strengthen community ties and share cultural knowledge. Because of this, Mumu Parcels remain an integral part of the cultural heritage in Papua New Guinea.

Ingredients

• Pork - 1 kg, cut into chunks
• Sweet Potatoes - 500g, peeled and chopped
• Taro - 500g, peeled and chopped
• Bananas - 3, peeled and sliced
• Coconut Milk - 400ml
• Spinach - 200g
• Banana Leaves - for wrapping
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Onions - 2, sliced
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 2 inches, grated
• Lemongrass - 1 stick, bruised

Preparation

Begin by preparing your pork and vegetables. Cut the pork into manageable chunks, then peel and chop the sweet potatoes, taro, and bananas. Rinse the spinach thoroughly and set it aside in a colander to drain.

Next, prepare your flavoring agents. Mince the garlic and slice the onions. Grate the ginger and bruise the lemongrass by gently crushing it to release its aromatic oils.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Preparing the Banana Leaves

Before using the banana leaves, pass them over an open flame briefly. This softens the leaves, making them more pliable and less likely to tear as you wrap your pork and vegetables.

Step 2: Assemble the Parcels

Lay out a large piece of banana leaf. Place a portion of pork in the center, followed by a mix of the sweet potatoes, taro, and bananas. Add a handful of onions, a bit of garlic, a trace of ginger, a piece of the lemongrass, and a drizzle of coconut milk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Wrapping the Parcels

Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the fillings to create a parcel. Secure it with string or cooking twine. Make sure no filling is exposed, as these parcels need to hold in the moisture while cooking. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.

Step 4: Cooking the Parcels

Traditionally, Mumu Parcels would be cooked in an earth oven. However, if that's not feasible, you can recreate a similar effect in your kitchen oven.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the wrapped banana leaf parcels on a baking tray. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain the moisture. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender. Use a cooking timer to track the cooking duration.

Serving and Enjoying Mumu Parcels

Once cooked, carefully unwrap the banana leaves to reveal the aromatic contents. Serve the parcels directly from the banana leaf or transfer them to serving plates.

Mumu Parcels are best enjoyed with family and friends, maintaining the communal tradition from their origins. Accompany the dish with a side of fresh greens or a simple salad to balance the hearty components.